The Gospel is the Only Answer

You don’t need me to tell you we’re living in a day and age in which there are so many more questions than answers.

Whether we’re talking about the real fear and grief caused by a global pandemic, hundreds of years of racial tension boiling over into the streets, divisive political rhetoric piercing our retinas and eardrums, or the prospect (or reality) of financial devastation resulting from all the above, our culture is asking so many questions:

How can I keep myself and my loved ones healthy?
What is going to happen with my child’s education in the coming months?
Can I really trust people who come from a different background?
How will we survive if I can’t find another job?
What will happen with the election this fall?
When will the COVID-19 vaccine be ready? When it is, how can I know it will be safe?
What is God’s will in all of this?

Have the people in your congregation been asking these kinds of questions? What about the people in your home or in your mirror? We could talk for hours about any of these issues and fail to arrive at any meaningful conclusions or to make any positive changes. Frequently, the best and most honest answer is, “I don’t know.”

I’m always wary when people oversimplify or use clichés. But, I’m going to do both in the next few paragraphs.

The Gospel is the only answer.

When everything seems unclear, it’s wonderful to remember we serve a God “who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17, NIV). Thankfully, he “is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8, NIV). The God who created us sent his one and only Son into the midst of this broken, fallen world. He didn’t condemn it, ignore the pain and suffering of his people or turn his back. He took upon himself the worst it had to give (John 3:16-17). He endured the cross and defeated death. Through the Spirit, the Father resurrected the Son. Glorified, he sits at the Father’s right hand interceding for his people. And, one day, he’ll return to claim his own. By God’s grace, through faith, we’ll enjoy eternity in his presence.

Between now and then, however, the struggle is real. It’s impossible to block the noise and distractions around us, no matter how faithful we might be. So, when the questions torment us, we begin by remembering the Gospel.

What if the Coronavirus touches my family or me?

I can remember that “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21) and I can fight fear with faith.

What can I do in the face of racial tension?

I can remember that “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28) and I can strive to attain and guard unity with people who do not look like me.

How can I make sense of diverse political perspectives?

I can prioritize my loyalty to Christ by remembering to “give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21), and then work within or around the political system to make society a better, safer place for all.

How can I face financial fears?

I can fight back worries about the future by remembering to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

The Gospel truly is the answer.

As we look at the world around us through Gospel-tinted lenses and as we teach those around us to do the same, we can position our hearts to thrive even in the midst of very difficult times. As we embody the faith, hope and love of Christ, we can not only begin to realize the answers to life’s toughest questions for ourselves, we can begin to be the answer for the world around us.

Recently, the words of a beloved old hymn have been a major encouragement to me:

Living, he loved me
Dying, he saved me
Buried, he carried my sins far away
Rising, he justified freely forever
One day he’s coming
Oh glorious day

The Gospel is the answer. Come, Lord Jesus!

Serving Him together,

Kevin Carr
Communications & Church Relations Officer

P.S. – We’re better when we’re together! Join church leaders from across the region at Radiant Bible Church in Avon on Wednesday, October 9. The Church Leadership Breakfast is free and will run from 7:30 to 9 a.m. We’ll have plenty of time to fellowship and we’ll send you on your way with helpful tools and resources. >> RSVP today!